A drawing of the giant South American dromaeosaur Austroraptor has been commissioned.  This was done to celebrate the arrival of the new Austroraptor cabazai model.  This colourful figure is new for 2025 and is the latest addition to the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range. Austroraptor was formally named and described in 2008 (Fernando Novas et al).  Dr Fernando Emilo Novas has named and described several dinosaurs from his native Argentina.  For example, ten years before the formal scientific description of A. cabazai, he named Megaraptor (M. namunhuaiquii).

When Novas described Megaraptor he thought the fossils represented a huge dromaeosaurid. It was thought at the time that an enormous fossil claw was from the second toe. Typical of a dromaeosaurid, but much larger than the claws associated with most dromaeosaurid taxa. However, subsequent analysis has revealed this claw to actually be a finger claw rather than a toe claw.  Megaraptor was not a giant dromaeosaurid.  However, with the formal description of Austroraptor, Argentina had its first giant “raptor”.

Austroraptor cabazai remains the largest dromaeosaur known to date from the Southern Hemisphere. Body size estimates vary. However, it could have reached a length of around six metres.

The Austroraptor cabazai model illustration commissioned by Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Wild Safari Prehistoric World models in stock: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Figurines.

The Austroraptor cabazai Model Drawing

Everything Dinosaur commissioned the drawing so that it could be used in an Austroraptor fact sheet.  For nearly all the prehistoric animal figures that the company sells, they send out a free fact sheet. The fact sheet provides information about the prehistoric animal. Furthermore, a scale drawing is included.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We like to inform and educate.  Hopefully, the free fact sheets that we send out help.  In addition, we get sent lots of emails asking about dinosaurs and fossils.  We do all we can to answer these queries promptly.  The Austroraptor drawing will permit us to create a scale drawing of this Late Cretaceous Argentinian dromaeosaurid. This scale drawing will then feature on our new Austroraptor cabazai fact sheet.”

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Prehistoric Animal Figurines.

The new for 2025 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor model is heading our way.  We expect this figure of Austroraptor cabazai to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few days. It is the largest dromaeosaurid known to date from the Southern Hemisphere. Size estimates vary, partly because the holotype specimen is fragmentary and also because a second referred specimen is around two thirds the size of the holotype.

Austroraptor may have reached a length of six metres, and it is estimated to have weighed around three hundred kilograms. Although heavier weight estimates have been proposed. For example, Benson et al proposed a much heavier body mass in a paper published in PLOS Biology (2014)*.

This paper looked at the remarkable morphological and ecological diversity of animals. Moreover, particular emphasis was placed on the Dinosauria. The researchers examined the theory that evolutionary rates are highest early in the evolution of a group, as lineages diversify to fill disparate ecological niches.

The team found rapid evolutionary rates in early dinosaur evolution, beginning in the Late Triassic. They postulated that this occurred as dinosaur body sizes diversified rapidly to fill new ecological niches, including herbivory. High rates were maintained only on the evolutionary line leading to birds. As part of their research, they estimated body size of animals based on the robustness or otherwise of their limbs. Austroraptor fossils were part of this study. A body mass estimate in excess of five hundred kilograms was reported.

The new for 2025 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor figure shown in lateral view.

The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor Model

Fortunately, this new dromaeosaurid figure is considerably lighter.  This attractive model of a feathered dinosaur measures a fraction over twenty-two and a half centimetres in length.  Those carefully painted black quills on the head are nearly eight centimetres off the ground.  This replica of Austroraptor cabazai will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur shortly.

To view the range of Wild Safari Prehistoric World figures: Safari Ltd. Wild Safari Prehistoric World Figures.

As part of preparations for the arrival of this theropod figure, Mike from Everything Dinosaur has been writing a fact sheet.  The fact sheet will include a scale drawing of Austroraptor cabazai.

The Austroraptor cabazai scale drawing prepared by Everything Dinosaur in anticipation of the arrival of the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike explained:

“We commission a drawing of most of the prehistoric animal models that we sell.  This drawing is then used to create a scale drawing, and this is added to our free fact sheet.  These scale drawings help our customers to appreciate the estimated size of the actual prehistoric animal.”

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from December 2008 about the discovery of Austroraptor: Introducing Austroraptor – A Fearsome Predator of the Late Cretaceous.

The scientific paper*: “Rates of Dinosaur Body Mass Evolution Indicate 170 Million Years of Sustained Ecological Innovation on the Avian Stem Lineage” by Roger B. J. Benson, Nicolás E. Campione, Matthew T. Carrano, Philip D. Mannion, Corwin Sullivan, Paul Upchurch and David C. Evans published in PLOS Biology.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: The Everything Dinosaur Website.

Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a wonderful Achillobator giganticus drawing.  Caldey is a big fan of the Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cyberzoic series.  To show her appreciation she sent into us her latest dromaeosaurid drawing. Our congratulations to you Caldey, it is a carefully composed and beautifully observed composition.

A fabulous illustration of the dromaeosaurid Achillobator by Caldey. The drawing shows a tremendous amount of detail, even individual feathers on the tail have been highlighted. Congratulations! Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

An Achillobator giganticus Drawing

Caldey has captured the movement of this lithe, but robust dromaeosaurid dinosaur. Achillobator is estimated to have reached a length of around five metres. It roamed the arid landscape of Late Cretaceous Mongolia. It was not as agile as smaller dinosaurs, but it was still capable of rapid movements. The long tail, most likely covered in plumage, helped this animal balance as it turned. It has been speculated that Achillobator was a pack hunter, and that this dromaeosaur specialised in hunting prey larger than itself.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It is a dynamic drawing!  The dromaeosaur is depicted with its head raised and its large jaws open.  It could be pursuing prey or perhaps squabbling with another pack member.  I really like Caldey’s illustration, even individual feathers have been picked out.  It is a fantastic illustration of a dinosaur.”

Inspired by the Beasts of the Mesozoic Range

The artwork and figures in the Beasts of the Mesozoic model range have inspired several artists.  Team members have received lots of dinosaur drawings.  The beautiful package art for the Achillobator model (pictured below) was created by Brennan Stokkermans.  These are extremely realistic depictions of dromaeosaurids.

Superb product packaging! The new Beasts of the Mesozoic Utahraptor model (top). The product packaging for the Achillobator giganticus figure is shown underneath. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Beasts of the Mesozoic/Cyberzoic figures: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models.

Mike continued his praise for Caldey’s illustration commenting:

“Preserved tissue traces on the femur and tibia indicate that Achillobator had powerful legs. In addition, analysis of the pelvis and hip area suggests that this dinosaur was adapted for leaping. Although not as manoeuvrable as smaller dromaeosaurs, despite its size Achillobator was probably extremely agile.  Caldey’s drawing highlights the agility of this carnivorous dinosaur.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Phorusrhacos scale drawing.  This illustration is to be used in the Phorusrhacos fact sheet.  This fact sheet will be sent out free of charge with sales of the new CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos figure.  Commonly referred to as a “Terror Bird”, Phorusrhacos (P. longissimus) is thought to have measured around 2.8 metres long.  It stood around 2.4 metres high.  Furthermore, the skull was huge, one of the largest known in the Aves.  The skull measured around sixty-five centimetres long.

Phorusrhacos (P. longissimus) is thought to have stood approximately 2.4 metres high. This apex predator probably weighed around 130 kilograms. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are expecting the CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos model to be in stock shortly.  Fans of these giant birds have been requesting a new and updated figure.  It joins the Kelenken model that was introduced by CollectA back in 2011.”

The Phorusrhacos Scale Drawing

Scale drawings of prehistoric animals, such as Phorusrhacos longissimus, help model collectors visualise the size and proportions of “Terror Birds”. These illustrations help to enhance understanding. In addition, the free fact sheets supplied by Everything Dinosaur are valuable educational tools.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Phorusrhacos model.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Figures.

Mike added:

“The new CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos is on a base.  The base itself has plenty of detail including a shed canine tooth from a sparassodont.  Scientists now know that these types of cursorial birds had an enlarged claw on their second toe.  This large claw, similar to the killing claw of Velociraptors may have been used to pin prey.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

The new for 2025 1/40th scale Maip macrothorax model from CollectA has been the inspiration for a new Maip macrothorax illustration.  Everything Dinosaur team members have commissioned this drawing to use in the company’s free Maip fact sheet. Furthermore, this fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip figure.

The Maip macrothorax scale drawing to be used in a dinosaur fact sheet sent out with sales of the CollectA Deluxe Age of Dinosaurs Maip macrothorax model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Maip (M. macrothorax) was formally named and described in 2022 (Rolando et al). It is the largest member of the Megaraptoridae family of theropods known to science. It measured around nine to ten metres in length.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article from 2022 but Maip macrothorax: Life Imitates Art with a Remarkable Fossil Find.

The CollectA Deluxe Maip macrothorax Model

This new theropod dinosaur figure is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur later this year (2025).  Moreover, it is the only carnivorous dinosaur model to be added to the CollectA range of figures in 2025.  The finished model measures approximately twenty-six centimetres in length.  These measurements suggest that the 1:40 scale is quite accurate.  The scale size declaration being based on estimates that this dinosaur measured around nine to ten metres long.

To view the CollectA Deluxe range of models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Deluxe Models.

The official image of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax figure.

Picture credit: CollectA

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The Maip macrothorax model from CollectA has the incredible detail and artistry that fans of dinosaurs adore. Congratulations to CollectA for brilliantly bringing this magnificent dinosaur to life!”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Everything Dinosaur team members have commissioned a Furcatoceratops scale drawing.  The drawing is being used in the company’s exclusive Furcatoceratops (F. elucidans) fact sheet.  This fact sheet will be sent out free of charge to customers who purchase the new for 2025 CollectA Prehistoric Life Furcatoceratops model.

The Furcatoceratops scale drawing commissioned by Everything Dinosaur. Furcatoceratops elucidans is thought to have measured around four metres in length. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Formally named and described just two years ago (2023), Furcatoceratops fossils are associated with the Judith River Formation of Montana.

The holotype (NSM PV 24660) was first described in 2015. It was thought to represent an Avaceratops (A. lammersi). This centrosaurine, also from the Judith River Formation had been described in 1986 (Dodson). However, subsequent analysis of the fossil material, believed to represent a subadult led to the establishment of the Furcatoceratops genus.

An assessment of bodyweight based on measurements of the left femur indicate that this dinosaur might have weighed around five hundred kilograms. Researchers estimate that this horned dinosaur was around four metres long when fully grown.  Everything Dinosaur team members have used these calculations as their basis for their Furcatoceratops scale drawing.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from 2023 about the discovery of Furcatoceratops (F. elucidans): Furcatoceratops – A New Centrosaurine is Described.

The Furcatoceratops Scale Drawing

This scale drawing of a Late Cretaceous horned dinosaur will feature in the company’s Furcatoceratops fact sheet. In addition, it will be used in other blog posts and articles highlighting the diversity of the Ceratopsia.  Moreover, the fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new for 2025 CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Furcatoceratops.

A dinosaur model in the hand. The new for 2025 CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Furcatoceratops dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of CollectA not-to-scale prehistoric animal figures in stock: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Figures.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that the first of the new for 2025 CollectA prehistoric animal models would be available soon.

He stated:

“We are looking forward to the arrival of the new Furcatoceratops figure.  As far as we are aware, this is the first model of this recently described horned dinosaur to have been introduced by a mainstream model manufacturer.”

The award-winning and customer friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Jaekelopterus scale drawing.  The drawing is to be used in a fact sheet on this remarkable, giant arthropod.  Two species have been assigned to the Jaekelopterus genus.  These are J. rhenaniae (Jaekel, 1914) and J. howelli (Kjellesvig-Waering and Størmer, 1952).  The scale drawing is a representative of Jaekelopterus rhenaniae, which is estimated to have had a body length of 2.3 to 2.6 metres. As such, this taxon is one of the largest arthropods known to science.

Jaekelopterus howelli is known from more than two dozen specimens. It was much smaller than J. rhenaniae. At around eighty centimetres long it was more typical of pterygotid eurypterids.

A Jaekelopterus scale drawing. The scale drawing represents the species Jaekelopterus rhenaniae. Based on the remains of a partial claw (chelicera) it is estimated to have had a body length of around 2.3 to 2.6 metres. With the narrow and long chelicerae extended, the total length of this arthropod has been postulated to exceed 3 metres. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To read an Everything Dinosaur blog post about the scientific description of J. rhenaniae: Claws! A Giant Eurypterid from the Early Devonian.

Jaekelopterus Scale Drawing

The Jaekelopterus scale drawing is going to be used in a sea scorpion fact sheet.  This fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus model.

The stunning 1:20 scale CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus rhenaniae model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus is in 1:20 scale.  The model measures an impressive sixteen centimetre long.  It has captured a jawless fish.  It is likely that this giant arthropod hunted early vertebrates.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Sea scorpions in the Pterygotidae family have similar body plans (bauplan). A partial fossil claw (chelicera) found in a quarry in western Germany and assigned to J. rhenaniae measures over thirty-six centimetres long. If it were complete the chelicera would be around forty-five centimetres in length. When this chelicera is scaled up in comparison with other pterygotids a total body length of estimate of 2.3 metres to 2.6 metres is calculated for Jaekelopterus rhenaniae.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that he was looking forward to having this exciting figure in stock.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned an illustration of a Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi). The drawing will be used to help create a fact sheet.  The fact sheet will contain a Columbian mammoth scale drawing.

This prehistoric elephant roamed North America during the Pleistocene.  It is known from numerous fossils, and it is thought that the last of these giant herbivores died out around 10,900 years ago.  As a result, it one of the last North American megafauna to have become extinct.

M. columbi evolved from Mammuthus trogontherii (steppe mammoth) that migrated into North America from Asia during the Early Pleistocene Epoch. The extant Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is the Columbian mammoth’s closest living relative.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned an illustration of a Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi). This prehistoric elephant roamed North America during the Pleistocene Epoch. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Columbian mammoth is one of the largest mammoth species known.  Males had a shoulder height in excess of four metres.  A large, adult male could weigh more than twelve tonnes.  As such, the Columbian mammoth was much larger that the contemporary Woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius).

Why Produce a Columbian Mammoth Scale Drawing?

Why commission a Columbian mammoth scale drawing?  Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that with the imminent arrival of the new for 2025 Eofauna Mammuthus columbi figure, a scale drawing was required for the Everything Dinosaur fact sheet.  This fact sheet will be sent out free to customers.

Mike added:

“The Eofauna Columbian mammoth model will be in stock soon.  We wanted to prepare a fact sheet in plenty to time so that it was ready to be despatched with the first orders for this new figure.”

To view the range of Eofauna figures in stock: Eofauna Scientific Research Models.

Our thanks to James, a young artist who sent into Everything Dinosaur an ichthyosaur illustration. It is a fabulous painting of a marine reptile.  James had a little trouble emailing the illustration to us, a special thank you to his sister for helping out.  The beautiful and evocative image reveals plenty of detail.  For example, the huge eye of the ichthyosaur.  The artwork gives the impression that the viewer is observing the marine reptile underwater.

A beautiful, blurry ichthyosaur illustration from James. The illustration gives the impression that we are viewing the marine reptile underwater. Picture credit: James.

Picture credit: James

A Clever Ichthyosaur Illustration

The marine reptile’s anatomy has been carefully observed by the artist.  It seems to be hanging motionless in the water column.  The blurring of the image provides a unique perspective.  It is as if we are viewing the animal from under the water.  It is a clever ichthyosaur illustration.

James has sent several illustrations to Everything Dinosaur.  For instance, last year he dispatched an illustration of a Columbian mammoth.

To view the Columbian mammoth illustration: Excellent Columbian Mammoth Artwork.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked James and his sister Lorraine and stated:

“What an intriguing ichthyosaur illustration.  We are always amazed at how talented some of our customers are.  It is always a pleasure to receive pictures from our customers.  My thanks once again to James and Lorraine.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Team members at Everything Dinosaur have commissioned a Lokiceratops scale drawing for use in the company’s free Lokiceratops fact sheet.  The fact sheet on this horned dinosaur will be sent out free with sales of Lokiceratops figures.  The new PNSO Lokiceratops model is due in stock soon. The fact sheet is being prepared as team members await the arrival of the shipment.  It will feature the scale drawing.  Readers of the fact sheet will be able to see just how big Lokiceratops rangiformis was.

Lokiceratops rangiformis scale drawing. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the extensive range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock: PNSO Prehistoric Animal Figures.

The Lokiceratops Scale Drawing

Lokiceratops is one of the largest centrosaurines described to date. Palaeontologists have estimated that this horned dinosaur grew to more than six and a half metres in length, and it may have weighed around five tonnes.  Its fossils were collected from the lower portion of the McClelland Ferry Member of the Judith River Formation in northern Montana.  Lokiceratops was formally named and described last year (2024).

Most of the skull is known, although the lower jaw was absent. Postcranial material includes vertebrae, hip bones and the right scapula and coracoid. Lokiceratops possessed two, enormous blade-like horns on the back of its frill (epiparietal two). The super-sized epiparietal two horns are relatively larger than any other parietal epiossification within the Centrosaurinae.

The new for 2025 PNSO Frederik the Lokiceratops dinosaur model.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that he researched and then wrote each Everything Dinosaur fact sheet.

He added:

“The Lokiceratops scale drawing is one of about a dozen prehistoric animal drawings that we have commissioned over the last few months.  With all these new prehistoric animal models coming into stock, we have a lot of fact sheets to prepare.”

Visit the award-winning and customer friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.